Their story, in their words, in a book

Their story, in their words, in a book.

One question a week for a year, answered by voice or email. We edit the answers into chapters and print a hardcover you will keep forever.

Give a year of stories, $99

Full refund any time before the first question is sent. Printed and shipped in the US. No app, no phone calls unless they ask.

What arrives at month twelve: a 6 x 9 inch hardcover, up to 200 pages, with their answers edited into chapters and the photos they chose. One copy included; extra copies $59 for siblings.

How it works

  1. You order today. You get a printable gift card for the day you give it, and an invitation link to forward to your storyteller.
  2. They say yes. Your storyteller opens the invitation, picks a day of the week, and that is it. We never contact them before they do. Invitations open December 1, 2026.
  3. One question a week. By email. They answer by tapping record and talking, or by typing. Chapters build up in a private page only they and you can see.
  4. The book arrives. After 52 questions we lay out, print and ship the hardcover.

Questions they will want to answer

What did the kitchen smell like in the house you grew up in?

What was your first job, and what did you buy with the first money you earned?

How did you meet, and when did you know?

What is something you are glad you did that nobody encouraged you to do?

What do you want your grandchildren to know about your parents?

52 questions in the library. Swap any of them for your own.

Made for parents and grandparents who do not do apps

  • Questions arrive by email, on the day they chose.
  • Answering is one tap to record on their phone, or typing if they prefer. Nothing to install.
  • Their words stay theirs. We tidy spelling and flow and never invent a sentence; they can correct every chapter.
  • We never phone or text them. If they want to answer by phone, they can ask us.

Straight answers

Who gets the emails, me or my mom?

Your storyteller gets the weekly question. You get the gift card, the invitation link, and a private page where you can read along as chapters appear.

What if she stops answering halfway?

We send gentle reminders, and you can nudge from your page. If she stops for good, we refund the unused months and you keep whatever was written.

When does it start?

Invitations open December 1, 2026. The first question arrives within a week of your storyteller accepting. The book ships after the 52nd question, so about a year after they start.

Can I change my mind?

Yes. Full refund any time before the first question is sent, no questions asked.

Who prints the book?

A US print partner prints each book to order and ships it to the address you choose. Black-and-white interior with photos, hard cover, 6 x 9 inches, up to 200 pages.

Is this run by a big company?

No. A Year of Stories is a small independent company. A person replies to every email.

Give a year of stories, $99

Full refund any time before the first question is sent.